Abstract

In order to assess uncertainties on faults in structural modeling, several authors have proposed a stochastic structural modeling approach to generate an ensemble of prior models, which are then evaluated by history matching. While this method is well-suited for estimating fault transmissivities, it offers little constraints on fault geometry. This work proposes the use of seismic data, from a vertical seismic profiling configuration, to appraise fault geometry uncertainties. The recorded signals are decomposed into intrinsic mode functions (IMFs), using the empirical mode decomposition algorithm, then instantaneous phase and instantaneous frequency misfits are computed from the frequency modulated components of the IMFs. The misfits are then used to find models whose fault geometry resembles that of the true structural model. Numerical experiments show that instantaneous phase and frequency misfits are sensitive to fault geometry perturbations. Furthermore, these experiments suggest that the instantaneous frequency misfit might be adequate for damage zone studies.

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BibTeX Reference

@INPROCEEDINGS{IkrakaramaGM2015,
author = { Irakarama, Modeste and Cupillard, Paul and Caumon, Guillaume and Julio, Charline },
title = { Model parameterization and misfit functional for fault uncertainty reduction using vertical seismic profiling data. },
booktitle = { 35th Gocad Meeting - 2015 RING Meeting },
year = { 2015 },
publisher = { ASGA },
abstract = { In order to assess uncertainties on faults in structural modeling, several authors have proposed a stochastic structural modeling approach to generate an ensemble of prior models, which are then evaluated by history matching. While this method is well-suited for estimating fault transmissivities, it offers little constraints on fault geometry. This work proposes the use of seismic data, from a vertical seismic profiling configuration, to appraise fault geometry uncertainties. The recorded signals are decomposed into intrinsic mode functions (IMFs), using the empirical mode decomposition algorithm, then instantaneous phase and instantaneous frequency misfits are computed from the frequency modulated components of the IMFs. The misfits are then used to find models whose fault geometry resembles that of the true structural model. Numerical experiments show that instantaneous phase and frequency misfits are sensitive to fault geometry perturbations. Furthermore, these experiments suggest that the instantaneous frequency misfit might be adequate for damage zone studies. }
}